Aerial view of Akagera National Park's wetlands.

Akagera National Park

Akagera lies on the eastern border of Rwanda, making it easy to visit and admire the wildlife – from lion to rhino – that now calls this beautiful savannah and wetland home.

About Akagera

Widely considered to be one of the most scenic parks in central-eastern Africa, Akagera’s extraordinary biodiversity ranges from impressive herds of herbivores that graze the open plains to rare and elusive birds that frequent the swamps. Following lion and rhino reintroductions, Akagera now boasts thriving populations of these, as well as elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and leopard, while the waterways teem with hippo and enormous crocodiles.

Akagera comprises a spectacular open expanse of wilderness and wetlands and lakes – in fact, a third of the 1,200 km² Park is dominated by water, making it the largest protected wetland in eastern-central Africa. Birders can seek out several Lake Victoria-endemic species including the red-faced barbet and papyrus gonolek.

Illustration of borders outlining Akegera

Where We Are

Akagera is located two hours’ drive (110km) from Kigali, in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, on the Tanzanian border.

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Getting Here

Self-drive access is through the Southern entrance and Mutumba Gate. They are the main points of access to the park. Also accessible by scheduled or charter helicopter. 4×4 vehicles recommended in the wet season. 

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The Weather

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Wildlife Returns

Thanks to reintroductions of lion (2015), eastern black rhino (2017) and southern white rhino (2021), and good management, wildlife in Akagera is thriving.

Where to Stay

Visiting Akagera National Park is one of the best ways to support communities, wildlife conservation and the long-term success of Africa’s wild areas. Choose from the different accommodation options available below and enjoy a spectacular wildlife experience.

Inside a tent lodge in Ruzizi with two beds and a couch.

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

A tented eco-lodge overlooking Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera National Park, Ruzizi Tented Lodge is perfectly poised to explore the park’s southern sector by foot, boat or vehicle. *Akagera-managed Facility

A wilderness view from a wooden deck at the Karenge Bush Camp.

Karenge Bush Camp

Set on a ridge overlooking Akagera’s wildlife-rich northern plains, Karenge’s incredibly scenic location in the remote north adds depth to any visit to the park. *Akagera-managed Facility

Akagera Campsites - beautiful aerial view

Akagera Campsites

Four campsites offer basic facilities for overnight stays. Muyumbu and Shakani campsites are in the south, Mutumba Campsite is more central, and Mihindi Campsite is located near Lake Mahindi in the northern sector. *Akagera-managed Facility

A dining table with cutlery and candles on a deck in Magashi.

Wilderness Magashi

Intimate Magashi is set on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga – home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, large crocodiles, and (hidden within its wetlands) the secretive sitatunga and shoebill stork.

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge over looking the pool at night

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

Akagera Game Lodge stands on a hill at the southern tip of Akagera National Park elevated above the savannah, offering a bird’s-eye view and exceptional views of Lake Ihema.

Experience Akagera

Akagera is a convenient and beautiful park to visit. It can be a short getaway for those living in Rwanda, a fascinating combination with Nyungwe National Park, or an easy add-on before or after visiting the gorillas.

Despite being relatively small, Akagera is home to an impressive array of wildlife. Since 2010, when African Parks was invited to manage the park, wildlife numbers have rebounded dramatically.

Akagera remains a relatively undiscovered gem, so enjoy excellent wildlife sightings without the crowds.

*All activities are located in the south of the Park.

A vehicle pathway in a savanna landscape.

Take a Day to Explore

Akagera is a self-drive park, so day visitors can explore at their own pace in their own vehicles, from 6:00 to 18:00 daily.

Available For: Day Visitors

A game drive vehicle with tourists watching over giraffes.

Guided Game Drives

Self-drivers can be accompanied by a Community Guide on a game drive. At Karenge in the north, guides are available on request and at extra cost; other overnight guests can book drives led by freelance guides at Reception.

A group of tourist in a boat trip on Lake Ihema.

Boat Excursions on Lake Ihema

A boat trip on Lake Ihema is wildlife and bird viewing from a different point of view. Trips are scheduled at 7.30am, 9am, 3pm and 4.30pm. Private trips can also be arranged at other times.

A man on a boat throwing a fish net into Lake Shakani.

Fishing

Spend a relaxing day fishing from the shores of Lake Shakani, then cook your catch over an open fire at the campsite. Note that guests need to bring their own equipment.

Two Akagera rangers watching elephants walking next to a lake.

Behind The Scenes

For more insight into Akagera, take a tour of Park Headquarters, meet the people and learn about their incredible conservation work. This activity is ideal for educational groups, or special interest travellers but open to all (minimum numbers apply).

A vehicle path way through grass bushes  at sun set.

Night Drives

For overnight guests, a sunset departure for a guided night drive adventure is an ideal way to end your day and is your best chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife. The safari vehicle, with a pop-up rooftop, can take a maximum of seven guests.

a couple on a walking safari with a zebra in view

Walking Safaris

Enjoy an exclusive walking safari, guided by experienced guides, getting close to nature’s intricate details, while experiencing Akagera’s vast picturesque landscapes.

Camp workers walking the perimeter of the Akagera Campsites

Walk the Line

Spend the morning with a fence attendant who walks the 120km fence line daily. This 7km walk follows the fence outside the park into the hills, ending on a ridge with spectacular views all around. (Approx. 2hrs)

A man with jars of honey made in the community

Community Cultural Experiences

In collaboration with the community and Akagera, Community Freelance Guides share some cultural experiences, such as visiting a dairy farm – to learn about traditions around cattle and milk in the Eastern Province – a banana-beer maker or a honey cooperative. Revenue is shared with the community members visited.

Our Partners

MANAGEMENT

Rwanda Development Board
African Parks Logo

MAJOR FUNDERS

The Wyss Foundation
Rob and Melani Walton Foundation
Howard G Buffet Foundation